Mycobacterium fortuitum meningitis associated with an epidural catheter: case report and a review of the literature

Pharmacotherapy. 1999 May;19(5):661-6. doi: 10.1592/phco.19.8.661.31530.

Abstract

Mycobacterium fortuitum is a rapidly growing organism that has rarely been associated with meningitis. A patient developed M. fortuitum meningitis as the result of a permanent indwelling, contaminated, epidural catheter. Diagnosis and treatment of the disease are difficult in that clinical features may be indolent, and many antimicrobials with activity against M. fortuitum have minimal cerebrospinal fluid penetration. This patient was cured with an antibiotic regimen that consisted of doxycycline, ciprofloxacin, imipenem, and clarithromycin, and removal of the epidural catheter.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / complications
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Catheters, Indwelling / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Injections, Epidural / adverse effects*
  • Meningitis / microbiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Mycobacterium Infections / complications*
  • Mycobacterium fortuitum*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents